Why is this so painful!!

1. Why is it, when you know you need to study, you just can't seem to focus! No matter what I do, where I go, how hard I try I can't study for this political science class! My final is on Friday and everytime I pick up the book, I zone out. I don't work, I have nothing else to do durring the day, but I seem to find things to fill my time, and it's not studying!
   Funny thing is, when I have more classes to worry about, I seem to get more studying done!
   Oh well, I'm also most done!

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2. 

   About iliel

   Joined: Jun '03; Posts: 1,308; Likes: 2
   student, stay at home girlfriend.

   17 Comments

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3. 
   Aug 5, '03

   Human nature.
   Good luck on your final!
   Cheryl
4. 
   Aug 5, '03

   It is a common phenomenon. I got more old projects done when I was in school. I would procrastinate to the absolute last minute and then work under hideous stressful pressure to get things done on time. I seem to turn out my highest quality work like that. Don't know why!!
5. 
   Aug 5, '03

   Sounds like you work best under pressure, you might make a good manager some day! Maybe its the subject that bores you??
   Good luck on your test!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
6. 
   Aug 5, '03

   I do work best under pressure. I've always tried to change that, you know, to get things done ahead of time, but why fight it. I'm a last minute kind of girl!
7. 
   Aug 5, '03

   Did you say political science?! Enough said. I would be bored too! LOL Good luck on your final!
   
8. 
   Aug 5, '03

   I had the same problem with art history. Last semester, I had a 45 minute break after my chemistry class before art history started. Never opened that book prior to a test until I had this break. I still managed to get an A in the class, but forcing myself to have perfect attendance is what pushed me from the B+ to the A. It's funny how the easiest classes are the ones that are the hardest to study for. Good luck
9. 
   Aug 6, '03

   Hope you have found some time to study! Wishing you luck for your final!!
10. 
    Aug 6, '03

    iliel
    
    How funny you should post this. My boss gave me the day off to study for my last A & P 1 test tomorrow.
    Have I studied? NOPE
    
    Woke up & went to fill out the stuff for the "Lottery Money", pay my tuition, buy my nursing books, tell the big - head of nursing in my school Thank you for allowing more people in, buy birdseed & take a quick lunch with my friend.
    
    AND LOOK WHERE & WHAT I AM DOING NOW.:chuckle :chuckle
    
    Thanks for the "kick in the butt" I will surf tomorrow after my test.
    
    When you figure out the secret to getting "down and doing it" PM me.
    
    justjenn
11. 
    Aug 8, '03

    Well, I'm done! and I did figure out the secret to getting my studying done....Fear! when you run out of time, you're scared out of your mind so you just sit down and do it!! :roll
12. 
    Aug 8, '03

    Oh! Can I relate to this thread!! LOL! Every semester I tell myself.."OK...no procratinating". I get the syllubus for the class and start to study ahead....then the semester starts. I've discovered that "Law and Order" plays from 7p - 11p. I've got a ton of other unimportant things to do before that. Then I'm tired and go to bed....then the exam is coming up...OH NO!! STRESS!!! Study, study, study...and manage to pass.
    
    I'll try again to "do it right" this semester but don't hold out much hope!!! LOL!
13. 
    Aug 8, '03

    Iliel:
    
    - Recommended solution to your problem.
    
    1. You need to define a set number of hours per day that you are going to study for each class. It's ok to study more hours - but you need to stick to this minimum.
    
    2. I find that I am mentally strongest in the morning - when I get up - than later in the day. This means, I go to bed at 8:30PM or so and am up at 4:00AM ish. I hit the books from 4:10AM to 7:00AM. Shower and am at work by 7:30ish.
    
    I go to bed early. Again, I am trying to maximize my time. On those days when I teach late - I sleep late. Getting 7-8 hours sleep per night is extremely important.
    
    3. I do the following when I find that I am in your situation, and the evening is going to be totally shot study wise. I start a major clean fit. EVERYTHING gets cleaned, washed, etc. If I am tired, then I sleep --- but usually am too upset to sleep. So I clean.
    
    I find it's easier to study in a super clean area than in a messy one. And I will do this in the morning when I get up.
    
    4. I keep a log of how many min/day I study. And I keep track of how many minutes I am ahead or behind.
    
    5. I use timers (on my computer) to study. This way, I can keep track of my "time credit" I do not use a regular clock. Why wait for a certain "time" to study --- just sit down and go.
    
    6. I study alot - just by typing the same term/word over and over again. If I get bored, I stop the timer used for studying and start the timer used for partying/goofing off. After 15 min, my timer goes off and I am back to work.
    
    I usually memorize 2 hours at a time. Then take a 15-20 min break to play with cats. Then hit the books for a 2nd session.
    
    If procrastination gets out of hand - I just go to Subway to Barnes & Nobles or Denny's (these are all open late -- Denny's is 24 hours), and will study there.
    
    If extreme procrastination occurs - I get in car - park in shade - lean the seat back (with pillow under head) and hit the books that way.
    
    -------------
    
    - And yes my system does work.
    
    
    Hope this helps,
    
    John Coxey
    (jpcoxey001@yahoo.com)
14. 
    Aug 8, '03

    - One more thing.
    
    - Between breaks -- I fly-fish like crazy (meaning road-trip to Yellowsone, or Green River, Utah). Your mileage may vary.
    
    - So enjoy your breaks. I am currently doing 1-2 hours a day of studying for my next A&P course. Instructor was kind enough to give me a syllabus for next semester. Nice to be able to study without any pressure. At least for a few weeks.
    
    John Coxey
    (jpcoxey001@yahoo.com

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